Page 1 of Wicked Dares
Chapter One
PIPER
There’s a metallic bite to the cool Manhattan air tonight.
It’s charged with life, sharp and alive against my skin, sending a restless energy through me. Like when something is about to happen.
Not a bad something. Not exactly good either. My Aunt Bess always said that when you got that feeling, the universe was shifting, and sometimes, if you were paying attention, it would grant you a favor that could change your life.
It would be nice if that were true. Maybe it is and I’ve just never been paying enough attention.
But things are different now. Getting better.
And tonight?
Tonight is one of those first steps. A first step into my fresh start.
The low heels of my shoes bite the pavement in a steady click as I cross the street. My best friend, Alexis, falls in step beside me, threading her arm through mine.
We look at each other and smile.
Up ahead, the club we’re going to comes into view. Wicked Dares sits on one of Manhattan’s most coveted blocks. The sleek glass-front building gleams in the moonlight, catching the light in a way that makes it impossible to look anywhere else.
Above the guarded entrance, the name burns in low, silver light, the lettering sharp. Like it’s daring you to come closer.
Music pulses faintly through the walls even from out here, deep enough to vibrate beneath my ribs. The vibrant sound promises bad decisions dressed up as good memories.
A line of people stretches behind velvet ropes while others are waved straight through without a second glance. Everyone’s dressed in their finest, unmistakably New York’s high society.
“God, you’re going to love this place,” Alexis squeals, the end of her long ponytail brushing over her shoulders as she skips.
I giggle. “I hope so.”
“Have I ever let you down?” She shoots me a playful look.
“Never.”
“Then have no fear, my friend.” She puts on her best ESPN sportscaster voice. “You’re in for a real treat.”
I laugh even more when she waves her hands in the air like she’s dancing.
Like me, she’s wearing a black bodycon and red six-inch heels—we thought we’d go out matching tonight like we did in our teens. Because we have the same fiery red hair, we always tried to match in other areas, too. I’m glad that hasn’t changed over the years.
I return my gaze to the door, wondering what kind of night I’m going to have. Of course, I’m excited to see Alexis, even more excited to hang out with her after not seeing each other for almost a year, but I’m nervous. I’ve never been to a club like this before.
“Just trust me.” Alexis squeezes my arm. “All you have to do is follow my lead.”
That’s the part that worries me. I’m not sure if I’m ready to be as adventurous as her just yet.
It’s strange… In another lifetime—not that long ago—I was the friend who was the life of the party. The girl you could count on for a great time.
“I’m just curious about the rules,” I confess, steadying my mind.
Wicked Dares isn’t an ordinary club. It promises a night of adventure. The second you step inside, you’re part of a game—one built entirely on dares.
“Which one? Rule one—no names,” Alexis says, dropping her voice to a sultry whisper. “Rule two—noquestions.” She pauses just long enough to make me look at her. “And rule three?” Her lips curve slowly into a smile laced with danger. “If someone saysI dare you… you either accept—or you leave.”
I roll my eyes and gaze heavenward. “Lord, what am I getting myself into?” I borrow Aunt Bess’s rich Tennessee accent.
